Helically coiled garden hose holder

ABSTRACT

A coiled helical garden hose having a first predetermined length along the longitudinal axis thereof is carried by a holder having an elongated leg including a vertically extending portion having a second predetermined length in the vertical direction that exceeds the first predetermined length. All the turns of the hose fit around and are held in place by the vertically extending leg portion. The longitudinal axis of the hose extends vertically and in approximate alignment with the longitudinal axis of the vertically extending leg portion.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to helically coiled garden hosesand, more particularly, to a holder for helically coiled garden hoses.

BACKGROUND ART

Helically coiled garden hoses typically have lengths between oppositeends thereof in the range of 25 to 60 feet. Helically coiled gardenhoses having circular cross-sections typically have hose inner diametersof about ⅜ an inch, while helically coiled garden hoses havingelliptical cross-sections frequently have major inner axes of aboutone-half an inch. Helically coiled garden hoses having both circular andelliptical cross-sections typically have multiple abutting turns withinner and outer diameters of approximately 4½ and 5½ inches,respectively. Helically coil garden hoses in a quiescent condition thusresemble a cylindrical tube. The helix of hoses from one source hasinner and outer diameters of approximately 4½ and 5½ inches,respectively, and lengths between opposite ends of the helical tube inthe range of about 10 inches to about 2 feet for hoses respectivelyhaving lengths in the range of 25 to 60 feet between opposite endsthereof.

To our knowledge, no holder has been specifically designed for helicallycoiled garden hoses. As result, the helically coiled garden hosesfrequently lie on the ground or floor. This is particularly true whenthe helically coiled garden hose is (1) not being used (i.e., in aquiescent condition) or (2) being used such that the hose is in only apartially extended condition and a partially retracted condition, asoccurs when a first end of the hose connected to a nozzle or sprayer isin close proximity to the opposite, second end of the hose connected toa spigot. A helically coiled garden hose that is not being used and layson the ground or floor is somewhat unsightly, subject to wear due tofriction, and can be a nuisance to people moving about in the regionwhere the hose is laying. Some people using helically coiled gardenhoses in only a partially extended condition have found such hosesdifficult to handle because of the weight of the water in the hose.

It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide aholder specifically designed for helically coiled garden hoses, and tothe combination of such a holder and a helically coiled garden hose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a holder forhelically coiled garden hoses, wherein the holder reduces contactbetween the hose and the ground or floor where the hose is located.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a holder forhelically coiled garden hoses, wherein the holder is arranged to enablethe helically coiled garden hose to be easily paid from the holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a holder forcarrying a coiled helical garden hose is provided. The hose has pluralhelical turns, a longitudinal axis within the turns, and a firstpredetermined length along the longitudinal axis thereof. The holdercomprises an elongated leg arrangement including a portion with alongitudinal axis adapted to extend vertically while holding the hose.The portion of the leg arrangement adapted to extend vertically has asecond predetermined length that exceeds the first predetermined length.The vertically extending portion of the leg arrangement is shaped anddimensioned so all the helical turns of the coiled helical hose can fitaround and be held in place by the vertically extending portion of theleg arrangement. The longitudinal axis of the hose is adapted to extendvertically and in approximate alignment with the longitudinal axis ofthe portion of the leg adapted to extend vertically.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to such a holder incombination with such a coiled helical garden hose.

Preferably, the portion of the leg arrangement adapted to extendvertically includes plural laterally spaced rod-like structures adaptedto extend vertically. The plural rod-like structures are arranged anddimensioned for enabling the coiled helical hose turns to surround theplural rod-like structures.

The leg arrangement preferably includes a second portion adapted toextend vertically and horizontally from the portion of the legarrangement adapted to extend vertically. The second portion of the legarrangement extending at an angle from the portion of the legarrangement adapted to extend vertically enables the turns of the coiledhose to be placed on and removed from the vertically extending portionof the leg arrangement. The second portion includes plural rod-likestructures that are integral with the plural rod-like structures of thevertical portion of the leg arrangement.

Preferably, ends of the plural rod-like structures of the second portionare connected together.

The angle between the second portion of the leg arrangement and theportion of the leg arrangement adapted to extend vertically ispreferably about 30 degrees to facilitate insertion and removal of thehose from the holder.

Preferably, the holder includes a spike secured to a lower portion ofthe leg arrangement. The spike is adapted to be driven into the groundor secured to a wall and preferably includes a tongue that extends froma base having a W-shaped cross section.

The spike is preferably secured to the lower portion of the legarrangement in such a way as to enable the leg portion that is adaptedto extend vertically to be laterally spaced from the wall by a distancesufficient to enable the coiled hose to fit between the wall and theholder. In addition, the leg portion that is adapted to extendvertically is preferably secured to the spike in such a way as tofacilitate insertion on and removal from the spike of the verticallyextending leg portion, while maintaining the structural integrity of aconnection between the spike and lower portion of the leg arrangement.Such a result is achieved in an inexpensive manner by providing thespike with a web arrangement that is spaced from a shoulder of the spiketo provide an opening arrangement. The lower portion of the legarrangement fits into the opening arrangement in such a way that an armof the leg arrangement bears against an upper edge of the shoulder.

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of a specific embodiment thereof,especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helically coiled garden hose carriedby a holder for such a hose, wherein the holder includes a spike mountedon a wall;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a helically coiled garden hose carriedby a holder for such a hose, wherein the holder includes a spike driveninto the ground;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a leg arrangement of the hose holdersillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the leg arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a spike included in the hose holdersillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the spike illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken through the lines 7-7, FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken through the lines 8-8, FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure illustrated inFIG. 8, further in combination with a rod of the leg arrangementillustrated in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged back view of segments of the spike and bottomportions of the leg arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of segments of the spike and bottomportions of the leg arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 of the drawing wherein helically coiledgarden hose 10, having helical turns at a substantially constantdistance from a central, longitudinal axis of the helix, is illustratedas being carried by holder 12 so that the longitudinal axis of the hoseis vertically disposed. Connectors 14 and 15, respectively at the bottomand top ends of hose 10, are respectively connected to water spigot 16on wall 18 and nozzle 19.

Hose holder 12 includes leg arrangement 20 and sheet metal spike 22,connected together so that the spike holds the leg arrangement firmly inplace. Leg arrangement 20 and spike 22 are connected to each other insuch a manner that the leg arrangement can be selectively connected toand removed from the spike. Leg arrangement 20 and spike 22 are alsoconnected to each other in such a manner as to provide adequate supportfor hose holder 12 while hose 10 is being manipulated in use, despitethe substantial torque exerted by the hose on leg arrangement 20 andspike 22 during manipulation. The substantial torque occurs because ofthe weight of the hose and the water therein, as well as because of thebending torque that the hose and water therein exert on leg arrangement20 as the hose is being pulled from holder 12 during use.

Leg arrangement 20 and helically coiled garden hose 10 are dimensionedso that the hose can fit over and surround the leg arrangement. Thedimensions of leg arrangement 20 and hose 10 are also such that the hoseexterior is spaced from wall 18 by a distance to preclude rubbingbetween the hose and wall while the hose is being manipulated in use(i.e., while water is flowing from spigot 16 through hose 10 and nozzle19 and the hose is being pulled (expanded) and released (contracted))and while the hose is being loaded onto and removed from the legarrangement. Leg arrangement 20 is also shaped in such a manner as topreclude rubbing between the hose and wall 18 while the hose is beingmanipulated in use and while the hose is being loaded onto and removedfrom the leg arrangement.

Spike 22, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is shaped so that the spike caneasily be driven into ground surface 24. If ground surface 24 is soft,spike 22 can be driven into the ground surface while leg arrangement 20is connected to the spike. If, however, ground surface 24 is hard, it isgenerally advisable for leg arrangement 20 to be separate from spike 22while the spike is being driven into the ground surface. After the spikehas been driven into the ground surface the leg arrangement is connectedto the spike.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, leg arrangement 20 is formed of anelongated steel rod 26 having a circular cross-section. Rod 26 isresistant to rusting by being made of stainless steel or regular steelhaving an exterior covered with a rust inhibiting coating (not shown)preferably made of an acrylic material. Rod 26 is bent to form tworod-like, laterally spaced structures that are equi-distant from eachother in parallel planes, except where the two rod-like structures areconnected together. The two rod-like structures are spaced from eachother by a distance sufficient to hold hose 10 in place, while beingclose enough to each other to enable the hose to fit over the tworod-like structures without substantial contact being made between therod-like structures and the hose. In one arrangement, wherein the innerdiameter of the helix of the garden hose is approximately 4½ inches, theexterior edges of the two rod-like structures are spaced by about 2⅛inches.

Leg arrangement 20 includes a first, vertically extending elongatedportion 28 and a second elongated upper portion 30 that extendsvertically and horizontally; portion 30 is preferably displaced from thevertical by an angle of approximately 30 degrees. The first, verticallyextending elongated portion 28 is longer between its top and bottom endsthan the fully contracted length of hose 10 in the direction of itslongitudinal axis, i.e., the length of hose 10 between connectors 14 and15. Thereby, the vertically extending portion 28 of leg arrangement 20is shaped and dimensioned so all the helical turns of coiled helicalhose 10 can fit around and be held in place by leg portion 28.Vertically extending portion 28 has a vertical longitudinal axis,equidistant from the two rod-like structures formed by rod 26; thelongitudinal axis of the two rod-like structures is approximatelyaligned with the longitudinal axis of hose 10 when the hose is onvertically extending portion 28. The bottom end of vertically extendingelongated portion 28 is bent to form horizontally extending arm 32, inturn bent to form vertically extending foot 34. Arm 32 has a lengthsufficient to enable hose 10 to fit over leg portion 28 withoutcontacting wall 18. For a helical garden hose having an outer helixdiameter of about 5½ inches, arm 32 has a length of approximately 2½inches to provide sufficient lateral space between leg portion 28 andwall 18 to enable coiled hose 10 to fit between the wall and holder 12.

Portion 28, arm 32 and foot 34, as well as most of portion 30, includethe two rod-like structures that are equally spaced from each other inparallel planes. The two rod-like structures at the upper end of portion30 remote from portion 28 are connected together by rounded portion 35of rod 26. Rounded portion 35 has a semi-circular shape so that the endsof the rounded portion are tangent to the ends of the elongated segmentsof portion 30.

Each of the rod-like structures that form the end of foot 34 includes athreaded bore 37 (not shown) into which sheet metal screws 36 arescrewed. Screws 36 help to secure leg arrangement 20 to spike 22 sincethe screws fit into corresponding holes 38 (FIGS. 5,6 and 11) in ribs 39of shoulders 40 of the spike. Shoulders 40 extend laterally from base 42of spike 22.

Spike 22 is formed of a single piece of sheet metal (14 gauge in apreferred embodiment), covered with a rust inhibiting coating, made, forexample, of an acrylic material. Spike 22 includes tongue 44 thatextends longitudinally from base 42 and includes pointed end 46 remotefrom base 42. Tongue 44 has a central rib 48 and a V-shapedcross-section (FIG. 7), a shape to facilitate driving of spike 22 intoground surface 24. Rib 48 extends through base 42 and is directedoppositely from ribs 39 so that base 42 and shoulders 40 have a W-shapedcross-section (FIG. 8) to provide structural strength and rigidity tospike 22 along the longitudinal axis of the spike (i.e., in thedirection that rib 48 extends) and the transverse axis of the spike. TheW-shaped cross section also provides a large contact area between spike22 and the earth when the spike is driven sufficiently far into theground so a portion of the W-shaped cross section is buried. Such aposition of stake 22 thus enables holder 12 to be mounted in a stablemanner. Holes 50 and 52 are respectively bored into base 42 and tongue44 along rib 48 to receive screws 54 (FIG. 1) that help to hold rib 48in abutting relationship against wall 18. Flanges 56, having a back facecoplanar with rib 48, extend laterally from the ends of shoulders 40remote from base 42 and include holes 58 into which screws 60 fit tohelp to hold the flanges in abutting relationship against wall 18.

Spike 22 also includes webs 62 that extend between shoulders 40 and base42 and are aligned with, but spaced from, ribs 39 to form a pair ofopenings 64 that extend in the same direction as the longitudinaldirection of tongue 44; openings 64 are longitudinally aligned withholes 38. Webs 62 have curved surfaces forming apices 66 that aredirected oppositely from ribs 39 so that the spacing between each ofribs 39 and each of apices 66, i.e., the transverse dimension of each ofopenings 64, is equal to the diameter of rod 26, to provide a firm,frictional, engaging fit between the surfaces forming opening 64 and theexterior surfaces of the rod. The positions of (1) the holes in therod-like structures forming foot 34 into which screws 36 are screwed and(2) holes 38 are such that the bottom edges of the rod like structuresforming arm 32 bear against the upper edges of shoulders 40. Because arm32 bears against the upper edges of shoulders 40, most of thesubstantial torque that hose 10 exerts on leg arrangement 20 while thehose is being loaded onto and removed from the leg arrangement and asthe hose is being manipulated on the leg arrangement in use istransmitted to shoulders 40, rather than to webs 62. Consequently, webs62 can be relatively short (e.g., 1/2 inch) in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of tongue 44.

While there has been described and illustrated a specific embodiment ofthe invention, it will be clear that variations in the details of theembodiment specifically illustrated and described may be made withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims.

1. In combination, a coiled helical garden hose having plural helicalturns and a longitudinal axis within the turns, the hose having a firstpredetermined length along the longitudinal axis thereof; a holdercarrying the hose, the holder having an elongated leg arrangementincluding a vertically extending portion with a longitudinal axis, thevertically extending portion of the leg arrangement having a secondpredetermined length in the vertical direction that exceeds the firstpredetermined length, the vertically extending portion of the legarrangement being shaped and dimensioned so all the helical turns of thecoiled helical hose can fit around and be held in place by thevertically extending portion of the leg arrangement, all the helicalturns of the coiled helical hose fitting around and being held in placeby the vertically extending portion of the leg, the longitudinal axis ofthe hose extending vertically and in approximate alignment with thelongitudinal axis of the vertically extending portion of the leg.
 2. Thecombination of claim 1 wherein the vertically extending portion of theleg arrangement includes plural laterally spaced vertically extendingrod-like structures, the coiled helical hose turns surrounding theplural rod-like structures.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein theleg arrangement includes a second portion extending vertically andhorizontally from the vertical portion of the leg arrangement at anangle that enables the turns of the coiled hose to be placed on andremoved from the vertically extending portion of the leg arrangement,the second portion including plural rod-like structures that areintegral with the plural rod-like structures of the vertical portion ofthe leg arrangement.
 4. The combination of claim 3 wherein ends of theplural rod-like structures of the second portion are connected together.5. The combination of claim 4 wherein the angle is about 30 degrees. 6.The combination of claim 5 wherein the holder further includes a spikesecured to a lower portion of the leg.
 7. The combination of claim 6wherein the spike includes a tongue that extends longitudinally from abase having a W-shaped cross section.
 8. The combination of claim 7wherein the spike is in the ground so a portion of the W-shaped crosssection is buried.
 9. The combination of claim 6 wherein the spike issecured to a wall.
 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the spike issecured to the lower portion of the leg so the vertically extending legportion is laterally spaced from the wall by a distance sufficient toenable the coiled hose to fit between the wall and the holder.
 11. Incombination, a coiled helical garden hose having plural helical turnsand a longitudinal axis within the turns, the hose having a firstpredetermined length along the longitudinal axis thereof; a holder forcarrying the hose, the holder having an elongated leg arrangementincluding a portion with a longitudinal axis adapted to extendvertically, the portion of the leg arrangement adapted to extendvertically having a second predetermined length that exceeds the firstpredetermined length, the vertically extending portion of the legarrangement being shaped and dimensioned so all the helical turns of thecoiled helical hose can fit around and be held in place by thevertically extending portion of the leg arrangement, the longitudinalaxis of the hose being adapted to extend vertically and in approximatealignment with the longitudinal axis of the portion of the leg adaptedto extend vertically.
 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein theportion of the leg arrangement adapted to extend vertically includesplural laterally spaced rod-like structures adapted to extendvertically, the coiled helical hose turns and the plural rod-likestructures being arranged and dimensioned for enabling the coiledhelical hose turns to surround the plural rod-like structures.
 13. Thecombination of claim 12 wherein the leg arrangement includes a secondportion adapted to extend vertically and horizontally from the portionof the leg arrangement adapted to extend vertically, the second portionof the leg arrangement extending at an angle from the portion of the legarrangement adapted to extend vertically for enabling the turns of thecoiled hose to be placed on and removed from the vertically extendingportion of the leg arrangement, the second portion including pluralrod-like structures that are integral with the plural rod-likestructures of the vertical portion of the leg arrangement.
 14. Thecombination of claim 13 wherein ends of the plural rod-like structuresof the second portion are connected together.
 15. The combination ofclaim 13 wherein the angle is about 30 degrees.
 16. The combination ofclaim 11 wherein the holder further includes a spike secured to a lowerportion of the leg.
 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the spikeincludes a tongue that extends longitudinally from a base having aW-shaped cross section.
 18. The combination of claim 17 wherein thespike is adapted to be in the ground.
 19. The combination of claim 17wherein the spike is adapted to be secured to a wall.
 20. Thecombination of claim 17 wherein the spike is secured to the lowerportion of the leg in such a way as to enable the leg portion that isadapted to extend vertically to be laterally spaced from the wall by adistance sufficient to enable the coiled hose to fit between the walland the holder.
 21. A holder for carrying a coiled helical garden hosehaving plural helical turns and a longitudinal axis within the turns,the hose having a first predetermined length along the longitudinal axisthereof, the holder comprising an elongated leg arrangement including aportion with a longitudinal axis adapted to extend vertically whileholding the hose, the portion of the leg arrangement adapted to extendvertically having a second predetermined length that exceeds the firstpredetermined length, the vertically extending portion of the legarrangement being shaped and dimensioned so all the helical turns of thecoiled helical hose can fit around and be held in place by thevertically extending portion of the leg arrangement, the longitudinalaxis of the hose being adapted to extend vertically and in approximatealignment with the longitudinal axis of the portion of the leg adaptedto extend vertically.
 22. The holder of claim 21 wherein the portion ofthe leg arrangement adapted to extend vertically includes plurallaterally spaced rod-like structures adapted to extend vertically, theplural rod-like structures being arranged and dimensioned for enablingthe coiled helical hose turns to surround the plural rod-likestructures.
 23. The holder of claim 21 wherein the leg arrangementincludes a second portion adapted to extend vertically and horizontallyfrom the portion of the leg arrangement adapted to extend vertically,the second portion of the leg arrangement extending at an angle from theportion of the leg arrangement adapted to extend vertically for enablingthe turns of the coiled hose to be placed on and removed from thevertically extending portion of the leg arrangement, the second portionincluding plural rod-like structures that are integral with the pluralrod-like structures of the vertical portion of the leg arrangement. 24.The holder of claim 23 wherein ends of the plural rod-like structures ofthe second portion are connected together.
 25. The holder of claim 23wherein the angle is about 30 degrees.
 26. The holder of claim 21wherein the holder further includes a spike secured to a lower portionof the leg arrangement.
 27. The combination of claim 26 wherein thespike includes a tongue that extends longitudinally from a base having aW-shaped cross section.
 28. The holder of claim 27 wherein the spike isadapted to be in the ground.
 29. The holder of claim 27 wherein thespike is adapted to be secured to a wall.
 30. The holder of claim 29wherein the spike is secured to the lower portion of the leg arrangementin such a way as to enable the leg portion that is adapted to extendvertically to be laterally spaced from the wall by a distance sufficientto enable the coiled hose to fit between the wall and the holder. 31.The holder of claim 30 wherein the spike includes a shoulder and a webarrangement that is spaced from the shoulder to provide an openingarrangement, the lower portion of the leg arrangement including (a) afoot arrangement arranged to fit into the opening arrangement, and (b)an arm arrangement between the foot arrangement and the verticallyextending portion of the leg arrangement; the arm arrangement, footarrangement and shoulder being arranged in such a way that the arm ofthe leg arrangement bears against an upper edge of the shoulder.